Despite bids that jumped from an estimated $2.7 million to $4.2 million, work is a step closer to starting on Phase 3 of the Southwest Georgia Regional Airport’s overall upgrade.

Reeves Construction Co. was awarded the project based on its “value-engineered” $3,533,270.50 bid after turning in a low bid of $4.2 million for the project that will include demolition of the old McAfee Terminal, construction of two new parking lots, rehabilitation of two existing parking lots and an expansion of the commercial aircraft apron.

The Albany-Dougherty County Aviation Commission reluctantly approved the bid at its monthly meeting Monday evening after agreeing to some $700,000 in cost reductions through value engineering.

“I’ve been around this business for 20 years, and for a project this size this (cost) is way high,” commission member Sanford Hillsman said.

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